FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURES
AUGUST 2, 2025
FQM ENHANCING COLLABORATION FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – In a period of about 12 years, First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has collaborated effectively with government to establish 5 new health facilities dotted around FQM Trident Limited’s catchment area. Existing establishments have also been supported with hygiene and sanitation facilities, extension of service buildings like maternity rooms and electrification where a power line is nearby. An ambulance has been donated by the mine for easy movement of patients from far-flung areas.
To further strengthen healthcare service administration in Kalumbila, FQM Trident collaborated with other partners to construct the District Health Office. As part of system enhancement, FQM supports nine healthcare facilities with various activities including Indoor Residue Spraying (IRS) of about 28,000 eligible structures, logistics for health promotion programs and general awareness on good community health practices.
As part of continued improvement and alignment with the local context, FQM Trident Limited (a subsidiary of FQM) initiated construction of a mini hospital in partnership with contractors, the community and government. The facility was commissioned by the Minister of Health on 15th July 2025 at an event attended by nine (9) chiefs from North-western Province. This is one of the key milestones recorded through private sector, community and government collaboration. It was a public illustration of what communities can achieve by passion for each other and working together as guided by the spirit of “Ubuntu”.
Being a mini hospital, the location choice required access to critical services such as sewerage, reliable power supply, consistent water supply and central to the surrounding communities in the chiefdom. Sensitive installations at the mini hospital includes a mortuary that was highly needed, maternity ward, radiology and a laboratory. Furthermore, resources are being mobilised for a theatre.
During the handover event, Solwezi West Member of Parliament Mr. Nicholas Mukumbi appreciated FQM for being the largest taxpayer in Zambia, as well as a significant contributor to the Kalumbila District Council – Mr Mukumbi announced that FQM Trident Limited is now contributing about ZMW 94 million in property rates per annum.
The Minister of Health Dr Elijah Muchima, hailed the project as a prime example of a successful public-private partnership aimed at improving the nation’s health standards, saying: “This facility is more than a brick and mortar. It is a tangible expression of collaboration, compassion, and our collective vision for a Zambia where access to quality healthcare is not a privilege reserved for the few, but a right secured for all.”
The host traditional leader, His Royal Highness, Senior Chief Musele Musokantanda IV said: “Development does not happen in isolation. As traditional leaders, we must partner with investors and government to secure the future of our people. I commend FQM for listening to the concerns of our community and responding with action. This hospital is a direct result of our open-door dialogue and shared vision for our community.”
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About First Quantum Minerals Ltd
First Quantum Minerals Ltd is a global metals and mining company producing mainly copper, gold and nickel. The company’s assets are in Zambia, Spain, Mauritania, Australia, Finland, Turkey, Panama, Argentina and Peru.
In 2024, First Quantum globally produced 431,000 tonnes of copper, 139,000 ounces of gold and 24,000 tonnes of nickel.
In Zambia it operates the Kansanshi mine and smelter in Solwezi, and the Sentinel copper mine and the Enterprise nickel mine in Kalumbila.
The company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
http://www.first-quantum.com/
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